The University of the Virgin Islands 2023-2024 athletic program got on the way with a successful cross-country campaign. The Bucs are also working hard to build excitement for the upcoming basketball season.
CROSS COUNTRY
The University of the Virgin Islands male and female cross-country teams got the Buccaneer’s athletic program literally off and running for the 2023-2024 season.
Dale Joseph returned to UVI to serve as the head coach of this young team. The teams started the year with just six male and three female runners, which eventually grew to nine male and four athletes. Many of the student-athletes were on loan from the school’s basketball program. Despite the challenges of training basketball players to be runners, Coach Joseph thought the season was a success. “We had a surprisingly successful season. We did well considering our practices were limited due to the basketball player’s commitment to the basketball program,” said Joseph.
The team competed in four events this season: The Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic in Daytona Beach, Fl; the Ave Maria Invitational in Ave Maria, Fl; the South Florida Invitational in Lakeland, Fl; and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) Championship in Decatur, Alabama.
Ariana Renault was the top runner for UVI at these events. She saved her best for last, recording her fastest time of 29:15.45 for the season. The top male performer for the Buccaneers was Nasir Watson this season.
Joseph is looking forward to next season as he continues to build on the foundation laid by this young team. “This year we were not able to do much recruiting,” said Joseph. “Next year we will be able to recruit cross-country runners.”
BASKETBALL
On Nov. 3, UVI will be tipping off its basketball season with Buccaneer Madness at the Elridge Wilburn Blake Sports and Fitness Center at 7:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity for the community to come out and meet the 2023 men and women UVI basketball teams. The players will engage in 3-point contests, a slam dunk competition, and intrasquad scrimmages. There will be entertainment, prizes, and giveaways for attendees. This is a night where your family can join the Bucs family for a night of fun for all ages.
